Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a new round of pay increases for state employees in recognition of their performance and dedication over the past year. The decision reflects her administration’s continued focus on rewarding effective public service while improving government efficiency.
The raises, which will take effect soon, are part of a merit-based approach. According to the announcement, state employees in the executive branch who received a score of 3—meaning they “met expectations”—on their most recent performance evaluations will receive a 1% base salary increase. Those who received a score of 4, indicating they “exceeded expectations,” will see a 3% base salary increase.
These increases are specifically targeted at employees who have served in the executive branch for at least one year and who have been in their current executive department since January 2, 2025. This ensures that those receiving the raises have a sustained record of consistent service and performance.
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“You are the engine that keeps Arkansas state government running,” Governor Sanders wrote in a letter addressed directly to state employees. “My administration has tasked you with improving services for the people of Arkansas while saving money, and over the past year, you have stepped up and delivered. I am grateful for your hard work.”
The merit raises are only one piece of a broader effort to restructure and modernize the state’s public workforce. Governor Sanders highlighted the recent passage of Act 499 during the 2025 legislative session. The law, set to take effect on July 1, authorizes a comprehensive new pay plan that aims to bring state employee salaries up to competitive market standards.
Under the new pay plan, nearly two-thirds of executive branch employees are expected to see a raise. Some of the most critical and high-demand positions in state government—such as corrections officers, state troopers, and caseworkers with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)—will receive double-digit percentage increases.
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“I know many of you were excited to see Act 499 pass,” Sanders wrote. “That legislation authorized a new pay plan… raising the pay of two-thirds of executive branch employees up to market standards and offering double-digit pay increases to some of our most in-demand personnel.”
Governor Sanders emphasized that improving outcomes for Arkansas residents and rewarding effective government work go hand-in-hand. The goal is to create a public workforce that not only performs at high levels but is also valued and fairly compensated for its contributions.
“Rewarding good work goes hand-in-hand with delivering better results for the people of Arkansas,” the governor wrote. “Thank you for your service to our state and your continued dedication to your career in public service.”
These steps represent a significant shift toward performance-driven compensation in Arkansas state government. By investing in its employees and modernizing its compensation structures, the Sanders administration aims to strengthen public services, reduce employee turnover, and maintain a motivated and professional workforce.
For many state employees, these changes represent more than just a pay raise—they are a sign that their work matters and that the state is willing to invest in those who keep it running.
